Is the "Cicada" virus a threat to Uzbekistan?
The representative of Sanepidkom, Nurmat Otabekov, commented on the situation.
Recently, there have been reports about the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 called "Cicada" (BA.3.2) worldwide. An expert has commented on this situation.
According to information, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that this mutation has so far been recorded in a total of 23 countries, including the USA, Hong Kong, Mozambique, and the United Kingdom.
Regarding this situation, Nurmat Atabekov, First Deputy Chairman of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Wellbeing and Public Health Committee, commented to the press service of the Ministry of Health.
He emphasized that the BA.3.2 strain was not recently identified and is distinguished by not spreading rapidly. Due to this characteristic, it was named after the insect "cicada," which remains "dormant" for a long time.
According to the expert, WHO has not yet drawn a reasonable conclusion about whether this strain could spread widely or lead to serious complications. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence that it is more dangerous compared to other strains.
Initial analyses indicate that the "Cicada" strain clinically progresses similarly to the "Omicron" variant. It may manifest with symptoms of respiratory tract damage, including nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, redness, and in some cases, loss of smell and taste.
The expert emphasized that this virus may be encountered more among children than adults. This is primarily explained by the fact that the majority of adults were vaccinated during the pandemic and have developed immunity. At the same time, antibodies against the disease may not be fully formed in children who have not previously been infected with the coronavirus.
In addition, the risk remains for individuals with chronic diseases, those suffering from respiratory diseases, people with low immunity, and the elderly.
Experts recommend limiting contact with individuals returning from areas where the virus has been detected. However, in their opinion, the likelihood of the "Cicada" strain causing an epidemic or pandemic is low.
It is noted that the epidemiological situation in Uzbekistan remains stable. The fact that collective immunity has formed in nearly 80% of the population is indicated as an important factor in this regard.
It was previously reported that cases infected with this strain of coronavirus were recorded in the USA, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Mozambique.
